Last month, the new BBC Three teen series Crongton premiered with Seyi Andes-Pelumi playing Jonah ‘Rapid’ Hani alongside a cast including Samson Agboola as Lemar ‘Liccle Bit’ Jackson, Nielle Springer as Venetia King and Noah Cox as Mckay Tambo, with all episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Since Seyi had his first regular role playing Cedric in CBBC’s Lagging, he went on to have a guest role in Doctors as Aaron Williams and played Danial in the BAFTA Award-winning Amazon Prime series Jungle, and as a theatre actor, Seyi played Errol in After Edward at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2019 for his theatre debut. Answering our questions, Seyi told us about playing Jonah ‘Rapid’ Hani in BBC Three teen series Crongton, filming as Danial in Amazon Prime’s Jungle and performing at Shakespeare’s Globe in After Edward.

Can you tell us about the new BBC Three teen series Crongton and your character Jonah ‘Rapid’ Hani?

Crongton is a story of a group of friends growing up in South Crongton (a fusion of Croydon and Brixton) and the gang war between North and South Crongton. It deals with tough issues like drugs and violence but also has a lighter side with a lot of laughs. Overall, it has this very warming feel to the show, which is all about friendship and loyalty and growing up.

I play Jonah Hani, aka Rapid, and I would describe him as an interesting character. On one hand, he’s this ball of energy ready to run and dash at the first sign of trouble but, on the other hand, he’s this very caring and calm boy from a super religious and loving family.

Crongton premiered on BBC Three and iPlayer on Monday 24th March, how did you feel on release day and who do you think the series will appeal to?

I was so excited for the release day! We filmed the series a year ago so couldn’t wait for it to come out. I think the series will appeal to everyone. Kids and teens because I feel like the jokes and banter are very relatable to young people of this generation. Like, I feel like I’ve said 90% of these jokes to my own mates. The show will also appeal to adults because they will have a deeper insight into what young people go through and how they think and feel.

What is Rapid like to play and how did you prepare for the role?

Rapid was a pleasure to play, to be honest. Ok, so let’s address the elephant in the room! Rapid runs… a lot! And so me, as a keen athlete, I was super down for some on-set sprinting now and again! But I think showing Rapid’s progression throughout the series is what really drew me to him – I love shows and movies with character development, and I really wanted to display that with Rapid as in the books. I wanted to show that there’s more to Rapid’s character than him being a runner who dashes at the first sign of danger! And instead he is really this complex, caring, funny boy with multiple layers.

How was it meeting and working with the rest of the Crongton cast?

When I first met the cast, we bonded so quickly! I feel that I have made lifelong friends. It was great to work on a show again with kids my age.

How was it guest-starring as Aaron Williams in Doctors and can you tell us about your character/storyline?

Playing Aaron Williams in Doctors was as fun as it was challenging. My episode followed the storyline of three brothers left to fend for themselves after the passing of their father. The middle brother Isaac dealt with his grief by burying his feelings and taking his anger out on the world and, in particular, on Aaron, (my character). When Isaac started to bully Aaron (who was a quiet and studious kid), he sunk even deeper into his shell, feeling like he had no one to talk to. I think the most difficult part about playing him, was making sure the pain and emptiness of Aaron really came through on screen. Overall, on set was really enjoyable. The cast really helped me explore the character and make this episode an unforgettable one.

In 2022, you played Danial in the Amazon Prime series Jungle, how was your time filming for the show and was there anything that drew you to the project?

Filming Jungle for Amazon Prime was incredible! I was 12 at the time and it was the first time that I had to tackle a role with such gravitas and heavy themes. Being around such brilliant actors like Madeline Appiah and Poundz really motivated me and inspired my own acting journey. The filming experience was one of the best, I would say. The show focused on a boy living with his mum, who was a drug addict, and his older brother, who was forced to turn to the streets to look after Danial. It was a really sad story about what life is like in that situation and how the circumstances can influence young people.

How was it attending the Jungle premiere and seeing the response to the series when it was released, which saw it win a BAFTA Award?

My Jungle premiere experience was a buzz! Seeing all of my favourite rappers and influencers was sick, doing all the interviews, and even going on the red carpet for the first time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to watch the actual show at the time as I was under 15 but I remember my parents coming out of the theatre with big smiles on their faces. When I found out that Jungle got nominated for a BAFTA, I was really elated. Seeing Chas Appeti getting an award was a joy.

What was it like having Cedric in Lagging as your first on-screen regular role and how was it filming for a new CBBC series?

Playing Cedric in Lagging for CBBC as my first on-screen regular role was great. Along with pretty much every kid, I had watched lots of shows on CBBC, and so it had been a dream of mine to be in one, one day. So when I actually got the call for Lagging, I was over the moon and just grateful that I got the chance to do it. Also, playing Cedric, who is a character quite like me in the sense that he’s fun, nerdy and cool, was really interesting. Acting alongside Isaac Khan (Mo), Yoni Bronks (Sol), Armandas Martin Gilys (Ray) and Sienna Clarke (Leah) was a blast. We filmed the first series during the pandemic so it was very surreal but with tons of funny and crazy memories.

As a theatre actor, you made your professional debut in 2019 playing Errol in After Edward at Shakespeare’s Globe, what are some of your stand-out highlights from performing in the production?

Playing Errol in After Edward at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was truly exhilerating! Firstly, the Globe as my first theatre role was a huge place to be performing, and so my heart was certainly pumping during the three shows I took part in! As I did more and more shows, the nerves disappeared and it was just such fun.

One of my stand-out highlights in After Edward would have to be the moment just before I entered the stage. Essentially in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (where the play took place), there was this huge door leading to the stage, and when I entered, there would be these two massive drums playing in sync, followed by the reactions of the crowd and actors when Errol came crashing in all confident and brash! I loved the adrenaline rush before entering the theatre and so it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get started in the industry?

I have always loved writing stories, reading books and watching movies, and I believe that acting and the film industries is purely just an extension of what’s on paper, and this magical way to bring these stories to life, so that’s where I believe my love for acting stems from. In fact, I first got into TV in Lego Masters UK on Channel 4, through winning a story writing contest, so it’s quite fitting actually. I then asked my mum if I could do more TV work and she applied to Bonnie & Betty and I was so happy to get in!

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?

In my spare time I go to Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, I also like playing football with my friends, watching movies and enjoy making my own short films.

I really liked the Stranger Things series and recently watched Adolescence, which was incredible. I also enjoy watching anything with Damson Idris in as he’s a brilliant actor.

What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any upcoming projects that you can talk about?

At the moment, I’m studying a lot for my GCSEs! But I’m also still self-taping so hopefully something exciting will come soon.

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